DIY Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones

There’s something special about bringing a little bit of nature indoors, especially when the weather turns cooler and the holidays are just around the corner. From evergreen branches and dried oranges to cinnamon sticks and pinecones, I love decorating with natural elements that make a home feel warm, cozy, and inviting.

One of my favorite seasonal DIYs is making homemade cinnamon-scented pinecones. They’re incredibly easy to make, smell wonderful, and add a beautiful rustic touch to your fall and holiday decorations.

All you need are a few pinecones, cinnamon essential oil, and a little time for the fragrance to infuse. You can even forage your own pinecones outdoors, making this an inexpensive and fun nature-inspired project!

Where to Find Pinecones

One of my favorite parts of this project is collecting the pinecones myself!

If you live near evergreen trees, take a walk through the woods or your neighborhood and look for fallen cones beneath pine, fir, and spruce trees.

I often collect pinecones while foraging for wild mushrooms, including chanterelles and hedgehog mushrooms. It’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and bring home a few natural treasures along the way.

Look for pinecones that are dry and have already opened. These work especially well for scented pinecones because their scales provide plenty of little spaces for the fragrance to settle.

Don’t have access to pinecones? You can also purchase natural, unscented pinecones from craft stores.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Pinecones (approximately 8–12, depending on size)
• 20 drops cinnamon essential oil
• Large zip-top bag or reusable storage bag
• Baking sheet and parchment paper (optional)

Optional essential oil combinations:

Want to create a different seasonal fragrance? Try one of these combinations:

• Warm & Spicy: Cinnamon and clove
• Citrus & Spice: Cinnamon and sweet orange
• Holiday Blend: Cinnamon, clove, and orange

Adjust the essential oil quantities to your preference, keeping in mind that cinnamon and clove essential oils can be irritating to skin. Handle concentrated oils carefully, keep scented pinecones away from children and pets, and avoid direct skin contact.

How to Make Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones

Step 1: Collect Your Pinecones

Head outdoors and gather pinecones from your favorite evergreen trees. Pine, fir, and spruce cones all work beautifully.

Choose dry pinecones that have naturally opened. Avoid cones that are damp, moldy, or visibly damaged.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Pinecones

Give each pinecone a good shake to remove dirt, loose debris, and any insects.

For additional cleaning, arrange the pinecones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 250°F for approximately two hours. This also helps dry the cones and encourages them to open.

Keep a close eye on them while baking, use a dedicated baking tray, and never leave them unattended. Allow the pinecones to cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Essential Oil

Place your clean, dry pinecones inside a large zip-top bag or reusable storage bag.

Add approximately 20 drops of cinnamon essential oil. Seal the bag and gently shake it to distribute the fragrance.

If you’re making a custom blend, you can combine cinnamon with a little clove or orange essential oil.

Step 4: Let the Pinecones Infuse

Leave the sealed bag in a cool location for one to two days. This gives the fragrance time to settle into the pinecones.

The longer they rest, the more noticeable the scent may become.

Step 5: Display and Enjoy!

Once your pinecones are ready, arrange them around your home!

I love displaying them in decorative bowls and baskets, adding them to holiday wreaths, or incorporating them into seasonal table arrangements.

They also make lovely additions to natural fall and winter decorations.

If the fragrance fades over time, you can refresh the pinecones with a few additional drops of essential oil. Allow them to sit before displaying again.

Ways to Decorate With Cinnamon Pinecones

There are so many ways to incorporate these homemade scented pinecones into your seasonal decorating.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Decorative bowls: Fill a wooden or ceramic bowl with cinnamon pinecones for a simple seasonal centerpiece.
• Holiday wreaths: Attach pinecones to a homemade evergreen wreath.
• Mantel decorations: Arrange them alongside evergreen branches, dried oranges, and candles.
• Table centerpieces: Add pinecones to a rustic arrangement with cinnamon sticks and seasonal greenery.
• Gift baskets: Include a few pinecones in a holiday gift basket for a thoughtful handmade touch.

I especially love pairing pinecones with dried orange slices, evergreen clippings, and cinnamon sticks. It’s such a simple way to bring the natural beauty of the season indoors.

Tips for Making the Best Scented Pinecones

Make sure your pinecones are completely dry. Damp pinecones won’t hold fragrance as well and may develop mold during storage.

Use natural, unscented pinecones. If purchasing pinecones, look for ones without added fragrances or coatings.

Experiment with essential oil blends. Cinnamon is wonderful on its own, but orange and clove make a lovely seasonal combination.

Store them carefully. Keep finished pinecones in a cool, dry location when not in use. Avoid airtight storage if they retain excess moisture.

Keep safety in mind. Essential oils are concentrated. Cinnamon and clove oils can cause skin irritation, so avoid handling freshly scented pinecones with bare hands. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and don’t use them as fire starters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cinnamon-scented pinecones last?

The fragrance can last for several weeks, although it will gradually fade. You can refresh the scent with a few additional drops of essential oil.

Can I use cinnamon powder instead of essential oil?

I recommend essential oil for this project. Cinnamon powder won’t distribute fragrance as evenly and can leave a dusty residue on the pinecones.

Can I use pinecones from my backyard?

Absolutely! Pine, fir, and spruce cones are all suitable. Just make sure they’re clean, completely dry, and free of mold or pests before bringing them indoors.

Do I have to bake the pinecones?

Baking is an optional preparation step that helps dry the pinecones and encourage them to open. If your pinecones are already clean and completely dry, you can skip this step.

Can I use other essential oils?

Of course! Orange, clove, and other seasonal essential oils can create beautiful fragrance combinations. Just use caution with concentrated oils, particularly cinnamon and clove.

Are scented pinecones safe around pets?

Essential oils can be harmful to pets, especially cats and birds, and cinnamon and clove oils deserve particular caution. I recommend keeping essential-oil-treated pinecones out of reach of pets and avoiding them in spaces where pets can chew, lick, or closely investigate the decorations.

More Natural Holiday DIYs

If you love decorating with natural materials and creating a cozy home, try experimenting with other seasonal projects!

• Homemade dried orange
• Holiday Oil Candle

PrintLinks on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same